HP 8720 connected to Dell PC showing "Driver Unavailable" error regardless of connection method

[pandalf]

I am at my wits end with a two year old HP OfficeJet 8720 printer, which has ceased to communicate with my Dell XPS PC of the same age. The PC is running the latest 64-bit Windows build. Whatever I do, the Windows settings SW shows the printer as offline and "Driver Unavailable". I have attempted to connect direct via my router, and via WiFi, with the same result every time. I have run every possible HP diagnostic utility, and reloaded the firmware and driver SW multiple times. I realize a two year old printer is out of warranty, but it's hard to believe that HP would expect me to replace it at that age. I sure as Hell won't be replacing it with another HP product is that is the case.    

[pandalf]

Issue finally resolved thanks to Sam, a great HP support person. A Windows update had left orphan files that invalidated any effort to remove and reinstall the printer.  

[Klementino]

Can you please tell me how to fix this and/or how to get in touch with the guy who helped you?

[Betty0610]

@Klementino

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

If you've the same Printer and if the printer is connected to a Windows Operating System, try these steps:

Let's run the HP Print and Scan Doctor:

Use this link for details on using the HP Print and Scan doctor: https://hp.care/2JyaC93

If the issue persists, let's do a root uninstall and reinstall of the software:

Unplug any USB cable, if any, before doing this.

1.) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features

2.) Select your HP Printer

3.) Select Uninstall

4.) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers

5.) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose 'Delete' or 'Remove Device'

6.) Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

7.) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe” and “/s”)

8.) Click on the "Drivers" tab

9.) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom

10.) Select Ok

11.) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows

12.) Close Devices and Printers

13.)  Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

14.) Type c:/programdata and click Ok. Go to Hewlett Packard folder, remove any printer related folders & files.

15.) Restart the computer.

Once done, please download and install the software from here:

https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution and Kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

Have a great day!

[Klementino]

Unfortunately this didn’t help. It even fails to install after a long time. I have done most of these steps multiple times, without any luck.

The printer is an Officejet 8720, but the still problem occurs with a HP laserprinter.

The printers work fine on my Dell laptop and an old Acer desktop. A third of didn’t work. After being replaced by a brandnew Lenovo desktop it also didn’t work on the new pc. I even have gone as far as doing a complete reinstall of Windows 10. It did work shortly if I install the printer before Windows does updates. But after Windows update has done it’s job and reboot has taken place it gets messed up.

The only thing that sounds logical is this orphan file theory. So I’m really curious to know how the TS has resolved his issues.

[Betty0610]

Try the built-in drivers: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c01796879

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

Have a great day!